U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski, D-Western Springs, helped introduce a bill to protect “Dreamers,” undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. when they were children, and grant them a pathway to citizenship.

Those seeking citizenship must first gain conditional permanent residency, then permanent residency status for up to 10 years before applying, according to a news release. They also must graduate from high school, obtain a GED or industry-recognized credential or be working toward obtaining that status as well, among other requirements.

“I have been fighting for years to reform our immigration system so that it reflects the priorities of the United States and the American people by making sure immigrants and immigration applicants are treated with dignity, while at the same time keeping our borders secure,” Lipinski said in the release.

The bill also aims to address people with Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure status, which are protections for those from countries with unstable and dangerous conditions. Those with TPS and DED protections would be granted permanent status.

Lipinski called for Congress to move forward on “realistic, sensible measures” to fix the American immigration system.

“This bill does not address all of these needs, but it does show us a possible path forward on a key humanitarian issue,” Lipinski said.